Introducing The Briner School of Business
Published: April 13, 2021
by Stephanie Rodriguez
Since its foundation in 1892, Greenville College has been a place for students to discover their potentials, build their skills and grow in character through Christ-centered, experiential learning. In July, the College announced the expansion of its Business Management department into the Briner School of Business; a change that will open doors for GC students to enhance their knowledge, build connections with industry leaders and enter their careers with greater preparation and confidence after graduation.
TheBriner School of Business, named after the 1956 graduate Bob Briner, launched July 1, 2015. The GC facilities team and business management faculty quickly began rennovations to the new location in the Dietzman Center in preparation for the 2015-16 academic year. Co-founder and owner of Kauffman Brands, Kevin Kauffman, donated funds for the new modern professional style furniture. The renovated second floor of Dietzman includes a sitting area, study space, conference table and technology center featuring new computers and a printer. In addition, the Briner School of Business plans to place an Apple television in the foyer so students can view current economic statistics and news.
"Everything is a business at some level," shares Founding Dean of the Briner School of Business and Chief Legal Officer,Suzanne Davis. Thebusiness management departments transition to the Briner School of Business was precipitated, in part, in anticipation of GC's transition toGreenville Universityin 2017. This new path will offer more experiential learning as the Briner School of Business, as well as other offices and departments across campus, builds a structure of interconnectivity across campus and with external organizations.
Davis networks with organizations to connect students with employers offering possible job opportunities to help students identify what these companies are looking for in future employees. The Professional Business Leader class (PBL) provides opportunities for business leaders to speak to GC students; creating lasting relationships and preparing students to succeed in their fields after graduation.Additionally, the Briner School of Business plans to launch an agribusiness major in the 2016-17 academic year.
By bridging connections for students, the business department creates opportunities for students to obtain tangible skills which will help them get a job post-graduation. Another goal of the Briner School of Business is to help students become Christian business leaders by the time they graduate Greenville College. Bob Briner, author ofRoaring Lambs(1993) andLambs Among Wolves(1995), believed Christians need to be relevant in the business field because everything should lead to God and personal faith must be a priority. Therefore, the new school will help students learn how to be strong Christ-like examples in whatever field they go into.
Presently, the Briner School of Business is working on a student-led project called Great Jobs. This project focuses on filming and creating short videos of interviews with business leaders in their fields about topics students would be interested in. The students in the Great Jobs project conduct the interviews and ask questions so the selected interviewees can tell their stories. This helps students meet new people and obtain skills in interviewing. The selected interviewers are Kami Suess, Riley ORegan, Malvin Hubbard, Marissa Wagley, Elsie Heckel and Lauren Stine. Great Jobs collaborates with the Digital Media students to produce the short videos. Students Aaron Phillips, Briana Phillips and Madison Moran create and design videos, animation and logos. Kami Suess and Aaron Phillips had the opportunity to fly to L.A. and interview for Great Jobs. Graduate AssistantAlexa Campbelland Teachers AssistantBrooke McIntireassist in the project logistically. Both Campbell and McIntire also lead Phi Beta Lambda, a business chapter which provides great opportunities for students to receive hands-on learning as they network with business leaders.
On Nov. 3 and 4, the Briner School of Business will have an officialcelebrationto declare its beginning of an improved future. This is an opportunity for special guests from states including California, Texas, Iowa and Washington D.C. to come and celebrate the Briner Schools of Business and possibly be interviewed by students from the Great Jobs project. JournalistTerry Mattingly, a renownedChristian leader in the marketplace will be in attendance at the celebration. Also, lawyer, author and founder of the Nation Christian FoundationBob Frywill travel from Irvin, California to attend this special celebration. The Briner School of Business is already a great success and has made an impact on the Greenville College community. There is great reason to hope that the changes will encourage students to attend the future new and improved Greenville University.
This article, originally titled "Introducing the Briner School of Business," was first published in our online student newspaper, the Greenville College Papyrus.
